What do you think?
Rate this book
The Markings #2
Crowning Keys
Adaline has reached Libertas, but it isn't the freedom she had imagined. A war is brewing between the gifted and the non-gifted, a line of separation that is slowly crumbling away.
Adaline and Alexander must learn how to use their gifts to fulfill the prophecy that declares them the saviors. But there is so much Adaline doesn't know about her past and her future. While she feels in control of her actions, she soon learns that she's at the will of another one of her father's plans.
In this thrilling and emotional novel, Adaline rises to her new titles: the Princess of Libertas and the Savior of The Gifted.
"Maybe it’s in our blood to be fighters, but maybe we’ve never known to be anything else."
Adaline and Alexander must learn how to use their gifts to fulfill the prophecy that declares them the saviors. But there is so much Adaline doesn't know about her past and her future. While she feels in control of her actions, she soon learns that she's at the will of another one of her father's plans.
In this thrilling and emotional novel, Adaline rises to her new titles: the Princess of Libertas and the Savior of The Gifted.
"Maybe it’s in our blood to be fighters, but maybe we’ve never known to be anything else."
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2021
6 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Downen
11 books178 followersCatherine Downen is the author of The Markings series. She recently graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has always had a love for writing and a passion for telling stories. Currently, Catherine is working as a Sustaining Engineer in St. Louis MO by day, while continuing to write on the side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 13, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for honest review. Thanks so much, Catherine Downen!!
Wow, what a fantastic continuation of the story started in The Markings! I was so thrilled to see where the story went and learn more about the magic and world-building, and I was definitely not disappointed!
The characters all take their development in leaps and bounds - breaking molds and adding unique twists to familiar situations. I really felt like Adaline shone all throughout the narrative, and I like how she dealt with the bit of love triangle :) A few of the characters took unexpected turns... but I don't want to give spoilers :P I also really loved the descriptions - the way the gifts work in this really bring all the senses together in a scene. Libertas was a fascinating place to visit and I can't wait to see how its culture affects the events of the next book.
I mean, technically, I'm just on the edge of my seat for the next book - period. Everything got so tense in this one with so many questions answered and then twice that many asked... This is definitely a book I would recommend for anybody who wants a fast-paced, captivating read with strong, well-defined characters who are both charming and mysterious.
Congrats, Catherine Downen on another amazing release! I can't wait to see where this story goes! :)
Wow, what a fantastic continuation of the story started in The Markings! I was so thrilled to see where the story went and learn more about the magic and world-building, and I was definitely not disappointed!
The characters all take their development in leaps and bounds - breaking molds and adding unique twists to familiar situations. I really felt like Adaline shone all throughout the narrative, and I like how she dealt with the bit of love triangle :) A few of the characters took unexpected turns... but I don't want to give spoilers :P I also really loved the descriptions - the way the gifts work in this really bring all the senses together in a scene. Libertas was a fascinating place to visit and I can't wait to see how its culture affects the events of the next book.
I mean, technically, I'm just on the edge of my seat for the next book - period. Everything got so tense in this one with so many questions answered and then twice that many asked... This is definitely a book I would recommend for anybody who wants a fast-paced, captivating read with strong, well-defined characters who are both charming and mysterious.
Congrats, Catherine Downen on another amazing release! I can't wait to see where this story goes! :)
December 17, 2020
(disclaimer I got this free to review)
Final rating: 76/100 (great) a massive improvement from the first book
So first of all there's a huge improvement in every aspect of the writing in this book from the first one. The writing, the fights, the descriptions, the characterisations- all have improved so props to the author.
Our characters have arrived in Libertas and are now training for war. This book gave me huge hunger games, divergent vibes and despite not really having a present antagonist like in the last book (just the looming threat of war), it was still very entertaining.
I feel like we've gotten to know our two main characters more, plus a few new characters I loved, but some of the people they traveled with in the first book and most of the new characters not so much. I thought in the first book too that we had a very large cast of characters traveling with our main characters that we didn't get to know much about and now we have an even larger cast of characters, I hope we get more characterisation for their squad in the next book.
I still think the powers are cool, as I said above the fight scenes have improved and I really enjoyed Adaline and Alexander figuring out how to counter each other with a different sense.
I also really enjoyed both this book and the first one talking about the future holders. I cant say why without really spoiling but yeah the way it works and how theres many different futures, and how Adaline reacts to seeing the future + how it impacts her thinking towards the end and so on, good stuff 👍
Final rating: 76/100 (great) a massive improvement from the first book
So first of all there's a huge improvement in every aspect of the writing in this book from the first one. The writing, the fights, the descriptions, the characterisations- all have improved so props to the author.
Our characters have arrived in Libertas and are now training for war. This book gave me huge hunger games, divergent vibes and despite not really having a present antagonist like in the last book (just the looming threat of war), it was still very entertaining.
I feel like we've gotten to know our two main characters more, plus a few new characters I loved, but some of the people they traveled with in the first book and most of the new characters not so much. I thought in the first book too that we had a very large cast of characters traveling with our main characters that we didn't get to know much about and now we have an even larger cast of characters, I hope we get more characterisation for their squad in the next book.
I still think the powers are cool, as I said above the fight scenes have improved and I really enjoyed Adaline and Alexander figuring out how to counter each other with a different sense.
I also really enjoyed both this book and the first one talking about the future holders. I cant say why without really spoiling but yeah the way it works and how theres many different futures, and how Adaline reacts to seeing the future + how it impacts her thinking towards the end and so on, good stuff 👍
December 23, 2020
Wow.
I was giving the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. My heartstrings were pulled in every which way, causing me to have to physically restrain myself from throwing my phone across the room at times.
Dystopian literature is normally not my forte, I find it too dauntingly realistic that it could very well be our future. But this book that Catherine Downen has written is the perfect mix of everything that I, as a reader, love to see: sparking romance, spiraling plans, and slow descent into the madness that is love and war. Catherine's beautiful writing inspires me.
This dystopian is a fantastic read for lovers of the "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard and "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo. It keeps you holding your breath, even after you have set the book down for the day. I'm still reeling in my thoughts over the twistedly amazing end.
I can not wait until the third book comes out.
And, as I told Catherine Downen, "Death to Mercedes by piano." <3
I was giving the amazing opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing book. My heartstrings were pulled in every which way, causing me to have to physically restrain myself from throwing my phone across the room at times.
Dystopian literature is normally not my forte, I find it too dauntingly realistic that it could very well be our future. But this book that Catherine Downen has written is the perfect mix of everything that I, as a reader, love to see: sparking romance, spiraling plans, and slow descent into the madness that is love and war. Catherine's beautiful writing inspires me.
This dystopian is a fantastic read for lovers of the "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard and "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo. It keeps you holding your breath, even after you have set the book down for the day. I'm still reeling in my thoughts over the twistedly amazing end.
I can not wait until the third book comes out.
And, as I told Catherine Downen, "Death to Mercedes by piano." <3
January 24, 2021
“How can I fall in love with you knowing that it means I can’t protect you?”
Crowning Keys (book 2 of @the_markings) by @catherinedownen
Hmm definitely fans of Divergent and Hunger Games will love this one💙
Started this recently and if you read The Markings you will be so excited to see how Adaline develops beautifully and is not a scared girl with no knowledge of the outside world anymore. Although, she does not enjoys the “royality” part of Libertas, not wanting to be paraded around.
As her connection with Alexander grows stronger, they found out they are a danger to each other and their gifts won’t work on them.
“Just know that without any of them, there is no me, and there is no key.”
I used to love Alexander and kept him as my favourite character but Crowning keys has changed this around a bit.
Not giving too many spoilers😅 hopefully.
But the tests to see what gift they had sent me to Divergent world and the parade got me thinking of Hunger Games 👑
Really nice one and if you get to it you definitely need to try reading with its spotify playlist on!💙
I received the second book as an ARC from the author, however all opinions are my own!
I guess you need to read to see how Adaline gains Libertas’ trust😉
👑💙And you can now get Crowning Keys on Amazon💙👑 all links should be in bio on @catherinedownen @the_markings
“Alexander lets my hand drop and I wish he wouldn’t. After finding out my love for Alexander would keep me from saving him, it feels an awful lot like goodbye.”
Crowning Keys (book 2 of @the_markings) by @catherinedownen
Hmm definitely fans of Divergent and Hunger Games will love this one💙
Started this recently and if you read The Markings you will be so excited to see how Adaline develops beautifully and is not a scared girl with no knowledge of the outside world anymore. Although, she does not enjoys the “royality” part of Libertas, not wanting to be paraded around.
As her connection with Alexander grows stronger, they found out they are a danger to each other and their gifts won’t work on them.
“Just know that without any of them, there is no me, and there is no key.”
I used to love Alexander and kept him as my favourite character but Crowning keys has changed this around a bit.
Not giving too many spoilers😅 hopefully.
But the tests to see what gift they had sent me to Divergent world and the parade got me thinking of Hunger Games 👑
Really nice one and if you get to it you definitely need to try reading with its spotify playlist on!💙
I received the second book as an ARC from the author, however all opinions are my own!
I guess you need to read to see how Adaline gains Libertas’ trust😉
👑💙And you can now get Crowning Keys on Amazon💙👑 all links should be in bio on @catherinedownen @the_markings
“Alexander lets my hand drop and I wish he wouldn’t. After finding out my love for Alexander would keep me from saving him, it feels an awful lot like goodbye.”
January 19, 2021
★ ★ ★ ★.5
“The ones we love most will always be our biggest weakness.”
“Crowning Keys” is the second book in the Markings series and it follows Adaline in her journey to saving the gifted but also learning how to be a princess and savior at the same time. This book definitely reminded me of the times when I used to read a lot of dystopian series because I used to be obsessed with this genre. It was so much fun and enjoyable and easy to read but also intriguing and full of action and drama and that made me love it even more than the first one. And DAMN that ending!!
This is a fast-paced novel filled with angst that keeps you hooked the entire time. The writing style is very beautiful, enjoyable and astounding. I highly recommend this to fans of Divergent, Hunger Games and Shatter Me. It’s very special but gives you similar vibes to all these amazing bestsellers!
Note: Thank you to the author for providing me an e-arc in exchange for a review.
“The ones we love most will always be our biggest weakness.”
“Crowning Keys” is the second book in the Markings series and it follows Adaline in her journey to saving the gifted but also learning how to be a princess and savior at the same time. This book definitely reminded me of the times when I used to read a lot of dystopian series because I used to be obsessed with this genre. It was so much fun and enjoyable and easy to read but also intriguing and full of action and drama and that made me love it even more than the first one. And DAMN that ending!!
This is a fast-paced novel filled with angst that keeps you hooked the entire time. The writing style is very beautiful, enjoyable and astounding. I highly recommend this to fans of Divergent, Hunger Games and Shatter Me. It’s very special but gives you similar vibes to all these amazing bestsellers!
Note: Thank you to the author for providing me an e-arc in exchange for a review.
December 31, 2020
* I received a free ARC in exchange for a review. Opinions are entirely my own. *
Much like the first book reminded me of The Hunger Games, this was reminiscent of Catching Fire to me.
Downen writes a weaving tale; a dystopian training montage for the ages. Adaline’s story thickens as many new, interesting characters that bring tons of layers to her series. Any fans of Queen of Hearts and The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy reading the second book in this series.
Much like the first book reminded me of The Hunger Games, this was reminiscent of Catching Fire to me.
Downen writes a weaving tale; a dystopian training montage for the ages. Adaline’s story thickens as many new, interesting characters that bring tons of layers to her series. Any fans of Queen of Hearts and The Hunger Games will definitely enjoy reading the second book in this series.
August 15, 2020
I was honored to get to be a Beta reader on this book. I had read the first book in this series so I was looking forward to the second book. I wasn't disappointed, it was equally as good as the first book, plus more characters come into the story. Catherine does the back stories of the new characters so well that they just blend in perfectly. If you read the first book and enjoyed it I can guarantee that you'll enjoy the second book even more.
April 15, 2021
So happy to have been able to beta read for Catherine - even though my review is late, I still feel the same magnetic drawn towards the story of Adaline and Alexander. Book two showed us stronger characters and a more independent Adaline. Each page was captivating and intriguing as we meet new characters and learn more heartbreaking truths. Truly riveting and a fast read for anyone easily sucked into captivating storylines like me.
December 5, 2020
With new characters that fit perfectly into the story, old characters with changes and a great plot the Crowning Keys is an amazing sequel to The Markings.
Read
December 12, 2020The arthor gets better and better. Took a nice twist.
December 18, 2020
(Account owners daughter)
I’m an ARC reader and I’m so happy I got the chance to read this amazing book! The main characters are truly inspiring and this series made my top 10!
I’m an ARC reader and I’m so happy I got the chance to read this amazing book! The main characters are truly inspiring and this series made my top 10!
Read
January 11, 2021Awesome book! Rating and review to come soon!
December 30, 2020
I loved this book even more than the first one. This book was filled with action, adventure and romance. This book makes you really think what does it mean to do the right thing. In this story you will join Adaline and Alexander as they prepare for war, and try to figure out what it means to be Saviors. Defiantly a must read for 2021.
March 27, 2021
Everything about this book was an improvement from the first. The descriptions, the emotions I felt for the characters, everything. This book really pulled me into the story where the first book had be questioning if I should continue the series. I’m so glad that I did. We have people with powers, training scenes, friendship, sprinkle of love interests, betrayal, and unanswered questions. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 25, 2021
I don't usually read Dystopian fiction, but Crowning Keys was amazing. I couldn't put it down. From the writing, the descriptions, the fights, and the characterization, I loved it all. It had some hunger game vibes but still stands out from it.
I really enjoyed that the book didn’t exactly have a present antagonist. It was a looming threat and even so, there was still growth in the characters and that was the most important thing.
I also really enjoyed both this book and the first one talking about future holders. It was great to see how Adaline reacts to seeing the future and how knowing it can impacts her thinking like how knowing our future can affect our reactions to it. There’s this and other reasons as to why the characters are extremely relatable., but I’m trying not to spoil the book.
Catherine Downen has done a perfect job of mixing the two ideas of love and war. Crowning Keys is a beautifully written piece.
I can not wait until the third book comes out. Any fans of dystopian fiction will definitely enjoy reading the second book in this series. Defiantly a must-read!
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed that the book didn’t exactly have a present antagonist. It was a looming threat and even so, there was still growth in the characters and that was the most important thing.
I also really enjoyed both this book and the first one talking about future holders. It was great to see how Adaline reacts to seeing the future and how knowing it can impacts her thinking like how knowing our future can affect our reactions to it. There’s this and other reasons as to why the characters are extremely relatable., but I’m trying not to spoil the book.
Catherine Downen has done a perfect job of mixing the two ideas of love and war. Crowning Keys is a beautifully written piece.
I can not wait until the third book comes out. Any fans of dystopian fiction will definitely enjoy reading the second book in this series. Defiantly a must-read!
*I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews